SoftNexi

Windows · Communication

Viber for Windows

Phone number-based messaging and calling app with end-to-end encrypted chats by default, plus public communities and business features.

Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Viber is a messaging and calling app tied to a phone number, similar in structure to WhatsApp. Personal one-to-one and group chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, using an implementation the developer describes as based on established end-to-end encryption protocols.

Beyond personal chat, Viber includes public accounts and communities that businesses and public figures use to broadcast to large audiences — those broadcast-style messages function more like Telegram channels than private chat and are not the same privacy category as one-to-one conversations.

The Windows desktop app links to a phone-based Viber account, similar to WhatsApp and Signal's desktop model, so a phone number and the mobile app are the starting point even for primarily desktop users.

Viber is free to use for personal messaging and calling. It has historically offered low-cost Viber Out calling to regular phone numbers as a separate paid feature, and businesses can use Viber's business messaging tools, which are distinct from the free personal app.

Key features

  • End-to-end encrypted personal chats and calls by default
  • Public accounts and communities for broadcasting to large audiences
  • Voice and video calling, including group calls
  • Viber Out for paid calling to regular phone numbers
  • Disappearing messages with a configurable timer
  • Desktop app linked to a phone-based account

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11 and Windows 10
Account
Viber account tied to a phone number, set up via the mobile app
Connection
Internet connection required; no offline mode

How to install Viber

  1. 1. Set up Viber on your phone first

    A phone number and the mobile app are required before adding a desktop session.

  2. 2. Download the Windows installer

    Get the installer from viber.com/en/download.

  3. 3. Link the desktop app

    Follow the in-app prompt to link the Windows client to your existing phone-based account.

  4. 4. Review privacy settings

    Check who can see your online status and add you before relying on the app for sensitive conversations.

How to use it

  1. 1. Use disappearing messages

    Enable a message timer in a chat's settings for conversations you don't want kept indefinitely.

  2. 2. Join a public community carefully

    Remember that public communities are broadcast-style and not private, unlike a personal one-to-one chat.

  3. 3. Make a Viber Out call

    Purchase credit if you need to call a regular phone number rather than another Viber user.

  4. 4. Manage linked devices

    Periodically review which devices are linked to your account and remove ones you no longer use.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from viber.com/download; unofficial mirrors are not verified by Viber or by us.
  • Personal chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default, but public accounts and communities are broadcast content, not private conversation.
  • As with any phone number-based account, enable any available account PIN or two-factor protection offered in settings.
Bundled software
The official installer does not bundle third-party offers.
Privacy
Viber requires a phone number to register. Personal chat content is end-to-end encrypted; account and usage metadata are handled under Viber's privacy policy.

Known risks

  • Phone number-based accounts can be targeted by social engineering aimed at gaining control of the number — protect your mobile carrier account as well.
  • Public communities and business accounts should not be assumed to carry the same privacy protections as personal one-to-one chats.

What's new

    Pros and cons

    Pros

    • End-to-end encryption by default for personal chats and calls
    • Free for messaging and calling between Viber users
    • Public communities useful for broadcast-style audiences
    • Viber Out offers calling to regular phone numbers as an optional paid feature

    Cons

    • Smaller mainstream user base in the US than WhatsApp or Telegram
    • Requires a phone number to register
    • Public communities are not private and shouldn't be treated as such
    • Desktop app depends on a linked phone-based account

    Verdict

    Viber is a capable, free, end-to-end encrypted alternative to WhatsApp, particularly useful where its regional user base is strong or where Viber Out's paid calling to regular phone numbers is handy. In the US, WhatsApp or Signal are more likely to already have your contacts on them.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is Viber end-to-end encrypted?

    Yes, personal one-to-one and group chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default. Public accounts and communities are broadcast content, not private chat.

    Is Viber free?

    Yes, for messaging and calling between Viber users. Viber Out, for calling regular phone numbers, is a separate paid feature.

    Do I need a phone to use Viber on Windows?

    Yes, the desktop app links to an account created on the mobile app with a phone number.

    Does Viber work on Windows 11?

    Yes, the official Windows client supports Windows 11 and Windows 10.